Mystic — The Town of Stonington has slated a tax sale for three properties that are home to Seaport Marine and the Red 36 restaurant because its owner has failed to pay $82,673 in back taxes and fees.

The properties, are owned by Noank Shipyard Inc., and include 2 and 4 Washington St. and a property on Willow Street. 

But Harry Boardsen, the marina's general manager, said Tuesday night the taxes will be paid before the next notice is sent out on March 1 and could be paid as early as Wednesday. He added the marina has always paid its taxes and he has been in constant contact with town officials about the issue.  

Angela Kanabis, the owner of Red 36 restaurant, explained Wednesday that she rents space for the restaurant from Noank Shipyard Inc. and is therefore not responsible for the back taxes because she is not the property owner. She added that the restaurant has always paid its personal property tax bill for equipment on time.

Boardsen also pointed out his organization never asked the town for any tax relief or tax credits for the Red 36 project, which created 100 jobs.  

The Washington Street properties have been appraised by the town for $1.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively, and the Willow Street site for $810,000.

Tax Collector Linda Camelio said Tuesday that she and the town attorney have sent letters to the shipyard seeking payment of the back taxes and have spoken with

Camelio stressed that a tax sale is the “last resort” by the town to collect taxes as she tries to work with property owners to set up payment plans or other arrangements so the properties are not put up for auction.

She said of the 160 property owners who originally owed back taxes just 18 remain and those properties are being put up for sale.

She said that even if the properties are sold at auction, the current owners would still have 6 months after the sale to pay the bill and retain ownership.

The tax sale is slated for April 27 at 4:30 p.m. in Town Hall. She said that last year, Noank Shipyard owed back taxes as well but paid off the bill before a tax sale was held.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas